My First Boat $100

[nightowl71]

About 2 weeks ago I was talking with a friend and I mentioned that I would like to get a boat. Turned out he had one and for $100, yes $100, I became the owner of a 1970 Glastron V-163 with a 90 HP Johnson engine, even came with the trailer. Well new tires, wheel bearings and wiring have been done since the purchase. New battery and the engine fired right up. Just finished purchasing all the required equipment and Sunny skies this Thursday and I'll finally be on the water. Power tilt would be nice but for that price I can't complain.

Any suggestion for a first time boat owner?

 

[Mark42]

Re: My First Boat $100

Wow, sounds like a good deal.

And welcome to iboats!

As a first time boat owner, you should take a boating safety course ASAP. There are a number of regulations you need to be aware of and not just limited to having a boating safety certificate.

Also pick up PFD's (life vests) for all who will be on the boat. The old fashioned orange things are the pits, no one wants to wear them. So get some new style thin PFD's, you can even find them at Walmart in a variety of size and prices.

After the course, have your friend take you out in the boat so you get familiar with it.

Good luck and welcome to boating!

 

[geedubcpa]

Re: My First Boat $100

Visit the boat restoration section of this forum - lots of good things to look at.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: My First Boat $100

Congratulations on the purchase. Sounds like you got quite the deal. pesonally I would change out the impeller in the water pump and the lower unit oil before venturing out for peace of mind if nothing else.
Enjoy.

 

[nightowl71]

Re: My First Boat $100

Well, I had the boat out on the lake yesterday for the first time and good news...it floated and ran great. 35 MPH, the Johnson 90 HP ran like a dream. Only bad news was I didn't catch anything except a sunburn. My wife and I had a great time, it is amazing how relaxed you can be on the water. Now that I know the boat runs, I'm venturing to redo the dash area with new vinyl, switches and new steering wheel. Also going to order an impeller and do the lower unit oil as suggested.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: My First Boat $100

Do a search on how to check the transom, just to make sure its not rotted. I boated, family,skiied, etc in a boat for two years that had mush holding on a 200 horse outboard. Made me sick to my stomach when I realized just how bad and dangerous the boat really was Just be sure sometimes they don't tell you they are bad until its too late...

 

[Aqualift]

Re: My First Boat $100

Congrats on your first boat purchase! A classic Glastron too. Any pics?

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5015/70glv163164.jpg

 

[nightowl71]

Re: My First Boat $100

Pics attached

 

[crazyinkc]

Re: My First Boat $100

Sweet boat. Must have been one heck of a good friend. That boat out here would sell for $1500 or better.

 

[CarbonFiberFootprint]

Re: My First Boat $100

I'll double your money!

 

[BTMCB]

Re: My First Boat $100

Congrats on the great deal and the maiden voyage. Nice looking boat. Have fun!

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: My First Boat $100

WOW....I was expecting an old typical fiberglass boat with trashed interior and rusted old trailer.....that thing is sweet!

 

[nightowl71]

Re: My First Boat $100

Trailer was a little worse when I brought it home, actually one of the bearings was shot when I pulled it off. New wheel bearings, rims and tires, all new wiring, all new straps, new safety chain, and surface rust was wire brushed and rustoleum applied. Lounge seats from Wally World online are the online interior upgrades so far.

 

[tdrudd87]

Re: My First Boat $100

Got a link for those seats? How much were they and how do you like them?

Terry

 

[milmat1]

Re: My First Boat $100

Very Very Similar to my 86 Sunbird,, Except for that price.

 

[nightowl71]

Re: My First Boat $100

http://www.walmart.com/ip/DELUXE-LOUNGE-SEAT/9729774

With free site to store shipping and my wife's employee discount, I couldn't have gone wrong. Only about 1 week from when I ordered them until they were in the boat. I wouldn't say they are high end seats but for the first 5 hour trip on my boat they were comfortable. Was about $260 when all discounts were in.

 

[badbowtie]

Re: My First Boat $100

I read the title and was a tad scared to scroll down to find pictures but very impressed looks really good. Do a couple maintance things like others have pointed out and enjoy it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: My First Boat $100

That's a ridiculous deal. That's like $1200 worth of motor alone.

 

[71-South]

Re: My First Boat $100

Wow! Nice score.

 

[tdrudd87]

Re: My First Boat $100

Thanks for the info on the seats, have to check that out!

Sweet rig, especially for the price! Enjoy it!
Terry